Ichihime Shrine Hiina Matsuri

About This Event

Living hina dolls in junihitoe robes

The Ichihime Shrine Hiina Matsuri is an elegant hinamatsuri event uniquely Kyoto. The 'Hito-bina' (living hina dolls) features people dressed in Heian-era court costumes including junihitoe (twelve-layered kimono) sitting on a hina display platform, creating a fantastical scene as if hina dolls have come to life. The junihitoe dressing demonstration lets visitors watch the layering process up close. Visitors can also experience aristocratic games like kai-awase (shell matching), tosen-kyo (fan tossing), and sugoroku. Performances include the dance of the three court ladies and gagaku music by the five musicians.